Court won't allow convicted pain doc to stay free

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah pain doctor convicted on federal drug charges will soon have to report to prison to begin serving his 20-year term.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday cleared the way for that after denying Dewey MacKay's motion to remain free pending appeal of his conviction.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office says prosecutors will be filing a motion in the coming days asking U.S. District Judge Dee Benson to set a new date for MacKay to report to prison.

The 64-year-old Brigham City doctor was convicted in August on 40 of 86 felony charges related to illegal drug distribution resulting in the death of one patient.

Benson initially ordered MacKay to surrender Feb. 1. Defense attorneys argued MacKay did not pose a flight risk or danger.

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